Imaging apparatus having a document planar member with an input operating state

ABSTRACT

An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system. A controller is communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. A scanner body has a scanner opening. The image capturing system is located adjacent the scanner opening. A document planar member is positioned across the scanner opening. The document planar member is communicatively coupled to the controller. The document planar member has an input operating state wherein the document planar member receives at least one input from a user input object and supplies the at least one input to the controller for further processing.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to application Ser. No. ______ entitledIMAGING APPARATUS HAVING AN LCD DOCUMENT GLASS, filed ______, and toapplication Ser. No. ______ entitled IMAGING APPARATUS HAVING A DOCUMENTPLANAR MEMBER THAT DISPLAYS SCAN OPERATION RELATED INDICIA, filed______.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC.

None.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to scanners and scanningmethods, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus having a documentplanar member with an input operating state.

2. Description of the Related Art

In prior art, an imaging apparatus in the form of a scanner is used togenerate a digital representation of a document being scanned. Such adocument may include any of a variety of media types, such as paper,card stock, etc., and may be regular (e.g., rectangular) or irregular inshape, and on which there is formed, for example, text, graphics or apicture, e.g., a photo, or a combination thereof. In one type ofscanner, typically known in the art as a flat bed scanner, prior toscanning of a target document, the scanner lid is lifted and the targetdocument is positioned on a document glass in the correct orientationand location. Thereafter, prior to scanning, the scanner lid is closedto prevent incident light around the edges of the target document fromadversely affecting the quality of the scan.

One type of imaging apparatus is an all-in-one machine (AIO) thatincludes a scanner and a print engine. One application of such an AIO,for example, is the scan-back of a photo proof sheet having a pluralityof images. The AIO, for example, typically prints the photo proof sheetwith several rows of images, e.g., reduced size images, with selectioncircles alongside. The user fills in some or all of the circles to makethe desired selections. The user then uses the AIO to scan the completedproof sheet in its entirety, and the AIO analyzes the scanned imagelooking for the filled circles. The AIO then applies the selectionsthereby chosen, and generates printed images (e.g., full size images)corresponding to the selected images from the photo proof sheet. Suchscan-back and analysis processes, however, may be relatively slow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an imaging apparatus having a documentplanar member with an input operating state.

The invention, in one form thereof, is directed to an imaging apparatus.The imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system. A controlleris communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. A scanner bodyhas a scanner opening. The image capturing system is located adjacentthe scanner opening. A document planar member is positioned across thescanner opening. The document planar member is communicatively coupledto the controller. The document planar member has an input operatingstate wherein the document planar member receives at least one inputfrom a user input object and supplies the input(s) to the controller forfurther processing.

The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to an imagingapparatus. The imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system. Acontroller is communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. Ascanner body has a scanner opening. The image capturing system islocated adjacent the scanner opening. A document planar member ispositioned across the scanner opening. The document planar member iscommunicatively coupled to the controller. The document planar memberhas: an input operating state wherein the document planar memberreceives at least one input from a user input object and supplies theinput(s) to the controller for further processing, a transparent statewherein the document planar member is clear, and a translucent statewherein the document planar member is translucent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic depiction of an imaging system embodying thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the scannerunit used in the imaging system of FIG. 1, that includes an LCD documentglass;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the LCDdocument glass of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for scanning, in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of thescanner unit used in the imaging system of FIG. 1, with the scanner lidin the open position;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method associated with a first scan mode ofthe embodiment of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the embodiment of the scannerunit of FIG. 5, with the scanner lid in the closed position;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of adocument planar member configured in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the documentplanar member of FIG. 8, showing a path traced by a user input object;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the documentplanar member of FIG. 8, showing graphics to aid a user in supplying oneor more inputs via the document planar member;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the documentplanar member of FIG. 8, diagrammatically illustrating a plurality ofsets of boundary marks;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the documentplanar member of FIG. 8, diagrammatically illustrating a plurality ofimages from which desired images are selected; and

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the documentplanar member of FIG. 8, diagrammatically illustrating an image proofselection sheet that is positioned face up on the document planarmember.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof hereinis meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms“connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein areused broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings,and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” andvariations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanicalconnections or couplings.

In addition, it should be understood that embodiments of the inventioninclude both hardware and electronic components or modules that, forpurposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if themajority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However,one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of thisdetailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment,the electronic based aspects of the invention may be implemented insoftware. As such, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware andsoftware-based devices, as well as a plurality of different structuralcomponents may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, andas described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanicalconfigurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplifyembodiments of the invention and other alternative mechanicalconfigurations are possible.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showna diagrammatic depiction of an imaging system 10 embodying the presentinvention.

Imaging system 10 may include an imaging apparatus 12 and a host 14.Imaging apparatus 12 communicates with host 14 via a communications link16. As used herein, the term “communications link” is used to generallyrefer to structure that facilitates electronic communication betweenmultiple components, and may operate using wired or wireless technology.Imaging apparatus 12 may communicate with host 14 via a standardcommunication protocol, such as for example, universal serial bus (USB),Ethernet or IEEE 802.xx.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, imaging apparatus 12 includes acontroller 18, a scanner unit 20, memory 22, and a user interface 24.Optionally, as indicated by dashed lines, imaging apparatus 12 may alsoinclude a print engine 26 for performing a printing function. Printengine 26 may accommodate, for example, ink jet printing,electrophotographic printing, thermal transfer printing, etc. Thus, inthe context of the present invention, it is to be understood thatimaging apparatus 12 may be a scanner, a scanner-copier, ascanner-printer-copier, and may include other functionality, such asfacsimile capability to form an All-In-One (AIO) machine.

Controller 18 includes a processor unit and associated memory 22, andmay be formed as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits(ASIC). Memory 22 may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), readonly memory (ROM), and/or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Alternatively,memory 22 may be in the form of a separate electronic memory (e.g., RAM,ROM, and/or NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any memorydevice convenient for use with controller 18. Controller 18 is a scannercontroller, and in some embodiments may be a combined printer andscanner controller.

In the present embodiment, controller 18 communicates with scanner unit20 via a communications link 28. User interface 24 is communicativelycoupled to controller 18 via a communications link 30. Optional printengine 26 is communicatively coupled to controller 18 via acommunications link 32. Controller 18 serves to operate scanner unit 20and process data obtained via scanner unit 20. In addition, optionally,controller 18 executes program instructions to process print data and tooperate print engine 26 during printing.

Host 14, which may be optional, may be, for example, a personalcomputer, including memory 40, such as RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM, an inputdevice 42, such as a keyboard, and a display monitor 44. Host 14 furtherincludes a processor, input/output (I/O) interfaces, and at least onemass data storage device, such as a hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVDunit.

Host 14 may include in its memory a software program including programinstructions that function as an imaging driver 46, e.g., scanner and/orprinter driver software, for imaging apparatus 12. Imaging driver 46 isin communication with controller 18 of imaging apparatus 12 viacommunications link 16. Imaging driver 46 facilitates communicationbetween imaging apparatus 12 and host 14.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate imaging apparatus12 in a standalone mode. In the standalone mode, imaging apparatus 12 iscapable of functioning without host 14. Accordingly, all or a portion ofimaging driver 46, or a similar driver, may be located in controller 18of imaging apparatus 12 so as to accommodate scanning, copying, and/orprinting operations being handled by imaging apparatus 12 when operatingin the standalone mode.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of the presentinvention where scanner unit 20 is a flat bed scanner. Scanner unit 20includes a scanner body 50. Noticeably absent from the presentembodiment is the presence of a scanner lid.

Scanner body 50 has a cover 52 that defines a scanner opening 54. Inaccordance with the present embodiment of the present invention, aliquid crystal display (LCD) document glass 56 is mounted across, i.e.,is adjacent to, scanner opening 54. LCD document glass 56 includes anupper surface 56-1 for supporting a target document 58 in the presentembodiment, and a back surface 56-2. The target document 58 to bescanned is positioned face-down on upper surface 56-1 of LCD documentglass 56 and is supported thereby. LCD document glass 56 is not limitedto a glass material, and may be formed from other materials, such asplastic, that forms a planar member on which target document 58 issupported.

Optionally, an electrostatic unit 60 is coupled by a conductor device 62to LCD document glass 56 to controllably supply a static charge to uppersurface 56-1 of LCD document glass 56 so as to hold target document 58in position in contact with LCD document glass 56. In this regard,controller 18 is communicatively coupled to electrostatic unit 60 viacommunication link 64, and executes program instructions to activateelectrostatic unit 60 to apply a static charge to LCD document glass 56to hold target document 58 in position in contact with LCD documentglass 56.

As a further option, as illustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 2, a clearglass scanner lid 65 may be pivotably connected to scanner body 50 andconfigured to be moved between an open position 65-1 and a closedposition 65-2. When in closed position 65-2, glass scanner lid 65 coversLCD document glass 56. Thus, clear glass scanner lid 65 may be closed toprovide protection to LCD document glass 56 from contaminants, such asdust, and may also be imaged through if desired while in closed position65-2. Further, glass scanner lid 65 may be used to hold target document58 in the desired position on LCD document glass 56, if desired. Theclear glass scanner lid 65 is not limited to a glass material, and maybe formed from other materials, such as plastic, and be clear ortranslucent.

An image capturing system 66 is located adjacent, e.g., below, the cover52 of scanner body 50, and more particularly is positioned to directlyface back surface 56-2 of LCD document glass 56. In the presentembodiment, image capturing system 66 includes a scan bar 66-1 thatmounts an image capturing device 68. In the present embodiment, imagecapturing device 68 is a scanner head 68, although image capturingdevice 68 may take other forms, such as that of a digital camera. In thepresent embodiment, scanner head 68 includes a light source 68-1 and animage sensor 68-2. Image capturing system 66 including image capturingdevice 68, e.g., scanner head 68, is communicatively coupled tocontroller 18 via communication link 70.

Alternatively, it is contemplated that image capturing system 66 may beconfigured with image capturing device 68 mounted to be stationary, andformed from a camera/lens arrangement that does not require the use ofscan bar 66-1 and the associated drive mechanism for moving scan bar66-1.

In some embodiments, scan bar 66-1 mounting scanner head 68 is generallyeither an optical reduction type using a combination of lens, mirror anda CCD (Charge Coupled Device) array or CIS (Contact Image Sensors)array. The CCD array is a collection of tiny, light-sensitive diodes,which convert photons into electrons. These diodes are calledphotosites—the brighter the light that hits a single photosite, thegreater the electrical charge that will accumulate at that site. Theimage of the document that is scanned using a light source such as afluorescent bulb reaches the CCD array through a series of mirrors,filters and lenses. The exact configuration of these components willdepend on the model of scanner. Some optical reduction scanners use athree pass scanning method. Each pass uses a different color filter(red, green or blue) between the lens and CCD array. After the threepasses are completed, the scanner software assembles the three filteredimages into a single full-color image. Most optical reduction scannersuse the single pass method. The lens splits the image into three smallerversions of the original. Each smaller version passes through a colorfilter (either red, green or blue) onto a discrete section of the CCDarray. The scanner software combines the data from the three parts ofthe CCD array into a single full-color image.

In general, for inexpensive flatbed scanners contact image sensors (CIS)are used in the scan bar 66-1. CIS arrays replaces the CCD array,mirrors, filters, lamp and lens with an array of red, green and bluelight emitting diodes (LEDs) and a corresponding array ofphototransistors. The image sensor array may consist, for example, of600, 1200, 2400 or 4800 LEDs and phototransistors per inch (depending onresolution), for each of one or more color planes, that spans the widthof the scan area and is placed very close to the glass plate upon whichrest the image to be scanned. Another version of the CIS uses a singleset of red, green and blue LEDS in combination with light pipes toprovide illumination of the material to be scanned. When the image isscanned, the LEDs combine to provide a white light source. Theilluminated image is then captured by the row of sensors. CIS scannersare cheaper, lighter and thinner, but may not provide the same level ofquality and resolution found in most optical reduction scanners. Colorscanning is done by illuminating each color type of LED separately andthen combining the three scans.

Scan bar 66-1 is slidably coupled to a longitudinal guide member 72 formovement along bi-directional scan directions 74. As schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 2, scan bar 66-1 is drivably coupled to a drivemechanism 76, including a scanner motor 78 and a drive train 80, toeffect a scanning movement of scan bar 66-1, and in turn scanner head68, along guide member 72. The scanning movement may be, for example,from a top of page position at one end of LCD document glass 56 to abottom of page position at an opposite end of LCD document glass 56, orvice versa.

Drive mechanism 76 is communicatively coupled, e.g., by an electricalcable, to controller 18, with controller 18 providing signals to drivemechanism 76 to effect a scanning operation, e.g., either of apreliminary scan operation or an image scan operation. Drive train 80 ofdrive mechanism 76 may include, for example, belts, pulleys, gears, etc.that are coupled to scanner motor 78 for effecting the scanning movementof scan bar 66-1.

In accordance with the present embodiment, and referring to FIG. 3, LCDdocument glass 56 is formed as a planar substrate having essentially itsentire planar area covered with a plurality of LCD elements 82,schematically illustrated as a matrix of rectangles. LCD document glass56 has a transparent state, such as for example wherein whende-energized LCD document glass 56 is clear, and has a translucentstate, such as for example, when energized, e.g., by controller 18, allor a selected portion of the LCD elements 82 are activated such that LCDdocument glass 56 is darkened. Those skilled in the art will recognizethe configuration of LCD document glass 56 will determine the stateresulting from energizing, and the state resulting from de-energizing,the plurality of LCD elements 82 of LCD document glass 56.

As used herein, the term “transparent state” is an operating state thathas the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering,i.e., is clear. The term “translucent state” is an operating state thathas the property of transmitting and diffusing light with appreciablelight scattering such that the planar surface is darkened, i.e., is notclear.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the level of darknessassociated with the translucent state may be predetermined to be a fixedvalue, or may be variable whereby providing multiple selectable levelsof darkness.

In addition, controller 18 may control LCD document glass 56 to operatein a display mode as an LCD display screen to display information byselectively activating one or more of the plurality of LCD elements 82of LCD document glass 56. In this regard, LCD document glass 56 may formpart of user interface 24 or a monitor in communication with host 14.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for scanning, in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 2. Each of the control aspects of the method may beperformed, for example, as program instructions executed by controller18.

At act S100, a target document, e.g., target document 58, to be scannedis positioned on LCD document glass 56. This act may be performed, forexample, manually by a user. Optionally, to retain target document 58 inits current position on LCD document glass 56, controller 18 may executeprogram instructions to active electrostatic unit 60 to apply a staticcharge to LCD document glass 56.

At act S102, a preliminary scan is performed to determine a boundary oftarget document 58. For example, controller 18 may execute programinstructions to operate LCD document glass 56 in the translucent state.In some embodiments, controller 18 further executes program instructionsto initiate a scan of scan bar 66-1 carrying image capturing device 68over the back surface 56-2 of LCD document glass 56. Due to thetranslucent (darkened) state of LCD document glass 56, target document58 will be seen by image capturing device 68 as a dark shadow (i.e.,darker) than LCD document glass 56. The data obtained during thepreliminary scan is analyzed, e.g., through a comparison algorithmexecuted by controller 18, to determine the boundary of target document58 based on the contrast of the dark shadow of the target document andthe darkness of the LCD document glass.

Alternatively, controller 18 may execute program instructions to operateLCD document glass 56 in the transparent state. In some embodiments,controller 18 further executes program instructions to initiate a scanof scan bar 66-1 carrying image capturing device 68 over the backsurface 56-2 of LCD document glass 56. Due to the reflective contrastbetween target document 58 and the region surrounding target document58, a dark band will be seen by image capturing device 68 around targetdocument 58. The data obtained during the preliminary scan is analyzed,e.g., through a comparison algorithm executed by controller 18, todetermine the boundary of target document 58 based on the contrast ofthe dark band around target document 58 and the surface of targetdocument 58.

At act S104, an image scan is performed following the preliminary scan,wherein LCD document glass 56 is controlled to operate in thetransparent state in a region under target document 58. For example,controller 18 may execute program instructions to operate LCD documentglass 56 in the transparent state in a region under target document 58(e.g., within the boundary of target document 58, as determined at actS102), wherein LCD document glass 56 is controlled to be clear in theregion under target document 58, while operating LCD document glass 56to be in a translucent (e.g., darkened) state in a region outside theboundary of target document 58. In some embodiments, controller 18further executes program instructions to initiate a second scan of scanbar 66-1 carrying image capturing device 68 over the back surface 56-2of LCD document glass 56. Due to the transparent (clear) state of LCDdocument glass 56 in the region under target document 58, the imagecontent of target document 58 will be seen by image capturing device 68.

At act S106, the boundary of the target document determined during thepreliminary scan is used to crop the data retrieved during the imagescan so as to retain only image data associated with target document 58.For example, controller 18 may execute program instructions to deleteany of the data retrieved during the image scan that lies outside theboundary of target document 58, as determined during the preliminaryscan, thereby retaining only image data associated with target document58. The image data associated with target document 58 may be furtherprocessed, as desired, or stored in a memory, such as memory 22 ormemory 40.

Also, if desired, LCD document glass 56 may be controlled to be in thetranslucent state when imaging apparatus 12 is not in use, so as toobscure the contents inside scanner body 50, e.g., below LCD documentglass 56, e.g., to hide internal components, such as scan bar 66-1.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown another embodiment of the presentinvention where a scanner unit 20-1 is a flat bed scanner, and is avariant of the embodiment of FIG. 2. Scanner unit 20-1 includes ascanner body 50. Noticeably present in the embodiment of FIG. 5, incomparison to the embodiment of FIG. 2, is a scanner lid 84 pivotablycoupled to scanner body 50 by a pair of hinges 86. Also, in the presentembodiment, LCD document glass 56 is used to form scanner lid 84, and aclear document glass 88 is positioned across the scanner opening 54 inscanner body 50.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 is configured to be operable in either of twoscan modes.

In the first scan mode, LCD document glass 56 is used as a scanner lidwith target document 58 being supported by upper surface 88-1 of cleardocument glass 88, as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a methodassociated with the first scan mode of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

At act S200, a target document, e.g., target document 58, to be scannedis positioned on an upper surface 88-1 of clear document glass 88, withLCD document glass 56 serving as scanner lid 84 being in the openposition 90, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

At act S202, LCD document glass 56, serving as scanner lid 84, is movedto the closed position 92 prior to scanning to cover target document 58with LCD document glass 56, as illustrated in FIG. 7. When in closedposition 92 in act S202, LCD document glass 56 is adjacent to targetdocument 58, clear document glass 88 and scanner opening 54.

At act S204, LCD document glass 56 is controlled to operate in thetranslucent state. For example, controller 18 may execute programinstructions to control LCD document glass 56 to operate in thetranslucent, i.e., darkened, state, such that LCD document glass 56functions similar to a traditional solid scanner lid.

At act S206, target document 58 is scanned. For example, controller 18may execute program instructions to control scanner unit 20-1 to performa scan of target document 58. The image data associated with targetdocument 58 may be further processed, as desired, or stored in a memory,such as memory 22 or memory 40.

In the second scan mode, LCD document glass 56 is not used as a scannerlid, but rather, is used as a document support similar to that disclosedabove with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In other words, whenoperating in the second scan mode, LCD document glass 56 is in theclosed position 92, as illustrated in FIG. 7, and back surface 56-2 ofLCD document glass 56 is positioned adjacent to upper surface 88-1 ofclear document glass 88 and scanner opening 54. In the second scan mode,target document 58 (shown in dashed lines) is supported by upper surface56-1 of LCD document glass 56, similar to that in the embodiment of FIG.2.

The method for performing a scanning operation in the second scan mode(see FIG. 7) for the embodiment of FIG. 5 is the same as that of theembodiment described above with respect to FIG. 2, and thus the methoddepicted in the flowchart of FIG. 4 may also be used in the second scanmode of the present embodiment. As to the hardware configuration whenoperating in the second scan mode, the primary difference between theembodiment of FIG. 2 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is the presenceof clear document glass 88 between image capturing device 68 and LCDdocument glass 56.

Referring now to FIG. 8, further to the embodiments described above,document glass 56 in the previous embodiments may be replaced with adocument planar member 100, which in addition to operating as describedabove in the previous embodiments, is further configured to be operablein an input operating state wherein document planar member 100 receivesat least one input from a user input object 102 and supplies theinput(s) via communication link 28 to controller 18 for furtherprocessing. Document planar member 100 has an upper surface 100-1.

Document planar member 100 may be formed as a planar substrate havingessentially its entire planar area covered with a plurality ofinput/pixel locations, schematically illustrated as a matrix of dashedlines, and identified in FIG. 8 as pixel elements 100-2 (e.g., LCDelements) and a plurality of input areas 100-3. Document planar member100 may be in the form of an LCD touch screen panel that includes touchscreen technology. Touch screen technology is well known in the art, andmay be one of many types, which include for example: resistive, surfaceacoustic wave, capacitive, infrared, optical imaging, etc. User inputobject 102 may be, for example, a user's body member (e.g., finger,thumb, etc.), a stylus (e.g., a rod, pen, etc.), or a physical placeholder piece, such as a game piece.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in one implementation, controller 18 controlsdocument planar member 100 to display an image 104 corresponding to apath traced by user input object 102. For example, a stylus (user inputobject 102) may be provided, with which the user may draw text orgraphics onto surface 100-1 of document planar member 100. Inparticular, document planar member 100 displays pixels as the stylus isapplied and moved, such that image 104 is “drawn” on surface 100-1 ofdocument planar member 100. Controller 18 may then receive a savecommand as an input, such as by a save button 105-1 identified ondocument planar member 100 or user interface 24, to save image 104 inmemory 22, or alternatively to send image 104 to host 14 for furtherprocessing, e.g., storage in memory 40 (see also FIG. 1). Also,controller 18 may receive a print command as an input, such as by aprint button 105-2 identified on document planar member 100 or userinterface 24, to print image 104 with print engine 26 (see also FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in another implementation, controller 18controls document planar member 100 to display graphics 106 to aid auser in supplying one or more inputs via document planar member 100.Graphics 106 may be, for example, a user interface 106-1 with predefinedcontrol buttons. Graphics 106 further may be, for example, in the formof a fillable form 106-2 retrieved from memory, e.g., memory 22, whereininput into the fillable form may be by user input object 102 (see alsoFIG. 1). Graphics 106 further may be, for example, in the form of a game106-3, e.g., checkers or chess pieces on a checkerboard, wherein gamepieces and game board are displayed on document planar member 100 andthe game pieces are moved by touch input via user input object 102.Still further, graphics 106 may be, for example, a keyboard 106-4 havinga character display that displays the characters entered throughkeyboard 106-4.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, in another implementation, controller 18controls document planar member 100 to display one or more of aplurality of sets of boundary marks 108 (individually identified asexemplary sets 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, etc.) on document planar member 100.The plurality of sets of boundary marks 108 that may be selectivelydisplayed on document planar member 100 may be in the form of cornermarks, or a plurality of rectangles (diagrammatically illustrated asdashed lines).

Each set of boundary marks of the plurality of sets of boundary marks108 corresponds on a one-to-one scale to a corresponding media size,e.g., paper size. For example, each set of boundary marks of theplurality of sets of boundary marks 108 may correspond to one of themedia sizes, e.g.: letter (8.5 inch×11 inch), A4, 2.25 inch×3.25 inch, 3inch×5 inch, 3.5 inch×5 inch, 4 inch×6 inch, L, 2L, Hagaki, A6, etc.Optionally, each of the plurality of sets of boundary marks 108 may bedisplayed in conjunction with a separate text list of available mediasizes displayed on document planar member 100, or with text shown alongwith the boundary marks.

In particular, controller 18 controls document planar member 100 toreceive a first input from user input object 102. Controller 18processes the first input to selectively display one (or alternativelymore than one) of the plurality of sets of boundary marks 108(individually identified as sets 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, etc.) on documentplanar member 100. The first input may be, for example, a “Next” or“Pause” button area 109-1 established on document planar member 100 foractivation by user input object 102. A user may then match up an actualmedia sheet with the plurality of sets of boundary marks 108 to aid inmaking a media size selection, for example, by laying the media sheetdirectly on document planar member 100.

Controller 18 processes a second input from user input object 102 toselect a set of boundary marks of the plurality of boundary marks 108 ascorresponding to a desired media size for use with imaging apparatus 12.The second input may be, for example, an input from user input object102 at a location within one of the sets of boundary marks 108, oralternatively, may be selected by a “Select” button area 109-2established on document planar member 100. For example, document planarmember 100 may receive the second input from user input object 102 at alocation within a selected rectangle of the plurality of rectangles. Theselected rectangle corresponds to the desired media size for use withimaging apparatus 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in another implementation, controller 18processes a first input received from an input source to generate adisplay of a plurality of images 110 on document planar member 100. Theinput source may be, for example, a “Display Images” button area 111-1established on document planar member 100 for activation by user inputobject 102, or an input received from user interface 24 (see also FIG.1). The plurality of images 110 may be, for example, a plurality ofreduced size images (e.g., thumbnail images) that respectivelycorrespond to a plurality of full size images, e.g., photos, symbols,graphics, etc., stored in memory, such as memory 22 and/or memory 40(see also FIG. 1).

A user may select one or more of the plurality of images 110 byproviding a second input that activates an area of the plurality ofinput areas 100-3 of document planar member 100 corresponding to thedesired image(s). The second input may be provided, for example, withuser input object 102, i.e., by a direct touch to document planar member100. Optionally, feedback of the selection may be provided by indicators112, e.g., a pair of arrows, displayed on document planar member 100.For example, a tap at the third row, first image from the left, may beaffirmed by briefly displaying arrows on document planar member 100 thatpoint to the selection, or may be affirmed by highlighting the selectedimage(s).

Controller 18 processes the second input to select at least one image ofthe plurality of images 110 for further processing. For example,controller 18 may operate print engine 26 in accordance with the secondinput to generate a respective printed image with print engine 26 thatcorresponds to each selected image of the plurality of images 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in another implementation, an image proofselection sheet 114 having printed thereon the plurality of images 116is positioned face up on document planar member 100, and located to ahome position indicator 117. Controller 18 correlates a position of eachimage of the plurality of images 116 to a particular position of theplurality of input areas 100-3, e.g., a matrix of areas, on documentplanar member 100 (see also FIG. 8).

A user may select one or more of the plurality of images 116 byproviding an input that activates an area of the plurality of inputareas 100-3 of document planar member 100, which corresponds to thedesired image(s). The input may be provided, for example, with userinput object 102, i.e., by a direct touch to document planar member 100.Controller 18 processes each input to select a corresponding image ofthe plurality of images 116 for further processing. For example,controller 18 may operate print engine 26 in accordance with the inputto generate a respective printed image with print engine 26 thatcorresponds to each selected image of the plurality of images 116.

In the case where the plurality of images 116 are printed on multipleproof sheets, an area 118 may be uniquely positioned on each page ofproofs, along with the text “Tap Here To Select”, for selection of aparticular proof sheet. In this way each proof sheet is identifieduniquely to imaging apparatus 12. Thereafter, one or more of theplurality of images 116 may be selected from the selected proof sheet asdescribed above.

The foregoing description of several methods and embodiments of theinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise actsand/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. For example, it isunderstood that document glass 56 and/or document planar member 100 mayutilize a technology other than LCD technology, in which individualelements or groups of elements may be controlled to be in a transparentstate and at least one translucent state. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an image capturing system; acontroller communicatively coupled to said image capturing system; ascanner body having a scanner opening, said image capturing system beinglocated adjacent said scanner opening; and a document planar memberpositioned across said scanner opening, said document planar memberbeing communicatively coupled to said controller, said document planarmember having an input operating state wherein said document planarmember receives at least one input from a user input object and suppliessaid at least one input to said controller for further processing. 2.The imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said user input object is fromone of a user's body member, a stylus, and a place holder piece.
 3. Theimaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said document planar memberdisplays an image corresponding to a path traced by said user inputobject.
 4. The imaging apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a memorycommunicatively coupled to said controller, said controller receiving asave command as an input via said document planar member to save saidimage in said memory.
 5. The imaging apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising a print engine communicatively coupled to said controller,said controller receiving a print command as an input via said documentplanar member to print said image with said print engine.
 6. The imagingapparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller controls said documentplanar member to display graphics to aid a user in supplying said atleast one input.
 7. The imaging apparatus of claim 6, wherein saidgraphics is one of a user interface, a form, a game, and a keyboard. 8.The imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein said document planar memberreceives a first input from said user input object, said controllerprocessing said first input to selectively display one of a plurality ofsets of boundary marks on said document planar member, each of saidplurality of sets of boundary marks corresponding on a one-to-one scaleto a corresponding media size, and said controller processing a secondinput from said user input object to select a set of boundary marks ofsaid plurality of boundary marks as corresponding to a desired mediasize for use with said imaging apparatus.
 9. The imaging apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said plurality of sets of boundary marks on saiddocument planar member is a plurality of rectangles, and said documentplanar member receives said second input from said user input object ata location within a selected rectangle of said plurality of rectangles,said selected rectangle corresponding to said desired media size for usewith said imaging apparatus.
 10. The imaging apparatus of claim 1, saidcontroller processing a first input received from an input source togenerate a display of a plurality of images on said document planarmember.
 11. The imaging apparatus of claim 10, wherein said input sourceis one of said user input object in conjunction with said documentplanar member and a user interface separate from said document planarmember.
 12. The imaging apparatus of claim 10, wherein said documentplanar member receives a second input from said user input object, saidcontroller processing said second input to select at least one image ofsaid plurality of images for further processing.
 13. The imagingapparatus of claim 12, further comprising a print engine communicativelycoupled to said controller, said controller operating said print enginein accordance with said second input to generate a respective printedimage corresponding to each selected image.
 14. The imaging apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein an image proof selection sheet having printed thereon aplurality of images is positioned face up on said document planarmember, said controller correlating a position of each image of saidplurality of images to a particular position of a plurality ofpredefined positions on said document planar member, said controllerprocessing an input provided by said user input object to select acorresponding image of said plurality of images for further processing.15. The imaging apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a print enginecommunicatively coupled to said controller, said controller operatingsaid print engine in accordance with said input to generate a respectiveprinted image corresponding to each selected image.
 16. The imagingapparatus of claim 1, wherein said document planar member is an LCDtouch screen.
 17. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an image capturingsystem; a controller communicatively coupled to said image capturingsystem; a scanner body having a scanner opening, said image capturingsystem being located adjacent said scanner opening; and a documentplanar member positioned across said scanner opening, said documentplanar member being communicatively coupled to said controller, saiddocument planar member having: an input operating state wherein saiddocument planar member receives at least one input from a user inputobject and supplies said at least one input to said controller forfurther processing, a transparent state wherein said document planarmember is clear, and a translucent state wherein said document planarmember is translucent.
 18. The imaging apparatus of claim 17, whereinsaid document planar member supports a target document during a scanningoperation, said document planar member being operated in each of saidtransparent state and said translucent state during said scanningoperation.
 19. The imaging apparatus of claim 17, wherein said documentplanar member is pivotably coupled to said scanner body and movablebetween an open position and a closed position.
 20. The imagingapparatus of claim 17, wherein said document planar member is an LCDtouch screen.